Rep. Barr fires gun at event

Pistol Fires at Event for Rep. Barr
Wed Aug 7, 9:47 AM ET

ATLANTA (AP) - An antique .38-caliber pistol accidentally discharged 
as it was being handled by Rep. Bob Barr during a reception in his 
honor. The bullet hit a glass door, and no one was hurt.

Georgia lobbyist Bruce Widener said Tuesday that he had removed the 
magazine from his 1908 Colt but did not clear the chamber before 
handing the weapon to Barr, a board member of the National Rifle 
Association.

Widener said "one of us hit the trigger" just as he gave Barr the gun 
during Friday's reception at Widener's home.

"Nobody was in any danger. We were handling it safely, except that it 
was loaded," said Widener, an independent lobbyist. "I am thankful 
Bob was careful to always keep the weapon pointed in a safe 
direction."

Through a spokesman, Barr said: "This accident only underscores the 
importance of proven gun safety measures, especially when owning and 
handling antique firearms."

Widener had opened his gun cabinet to Barr and others at the 
reception and acknowledged that it is unsafe to store a loaded weapon 
there.

Barr is locked in a tight Republican primary with fellow incumbent 
John Linder in Georgia's redrawn 7th Congressional District. Barr has 
tied his NRA endorsement closely to his campaign.

Of the gun accident, Linder said: "The first time you hear this, it's 
funny. But it's not funny. The guy's a loose cannon. I've been around 
guns a lot. I just don't pick up other people's guns."

The election is Aug. 20.